A BID to keep alive the ancient tradition of thatching is being made by one of the small handful of thatchers in North Yorkshire.

Christopher Smart, of Sheriff Hutton, says housebuilders should consider thatching some new homes rather than using tiles or slates.

Most of Ryedale's cottages would at one time have been thatched, said Mr Smart, and the method has much to commend it today. "In winter it provides good heat insulation and in summer keeps a property cool."

Thatching a house or cottage can make it much more saleable and increases its value. While it is becoming increasingly popular in the building of new houses in the south of England, in North Yorkshire the method is quite rare, said Mr Smart.

Three main sources of thatch are used - reeds, straw and imported water reeds. A thatched roof can have a lifespan of between 60 and 70 years and there are now companies specialising in insurance of thatched roofs.

More thatched roofs could also have a benefit for local farmers because by growing wheat crops they would keep the grain and thatchers would have the straw, said Mr Smart. "Thatch was something we used in North Yorkshire 100 years ago, so why not now?"

He is now urging builders and architects to look at the historic roofing material when designing new homes.

Mr Smart can be contacted on 01347 878003.